Is Relebohile Mofokeng ready for Europe? Hugo Broos answers
Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has weighed in on whether Orlando Pirates teenage sensation Relebohile Mofokeng is ready for a move to Europe.
The Buccaneers starlet played 37 games across all competitions for Pirates this season, scoring four goals and contributing six assists.
Last year, Broos suggested that former Mamelodi Sundowns star Cassius Mailula wasn’t ready for a European move as it was too early for him and needed more experience.
However, Mailula went on to join MLS side Toronto FC, but he has struggled to become accustomed to the American league and environment. Competition within the team also seems to be a lot for the South African-born winger.
Broos included Mofokeng in his Bafana’s final 23-man squad set to face Nigeria and Zimbabwe in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers next month.
Bafana will face the Super Eagles away from home in Uyo on Friday, 7 June, and take on the neighbours Zimbabwe on Tuesday, 11 June 2024, at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.
HUGO BROOS ON RELEBOHILE MOFOKENG’S READINESS FOR OVERSEAS MOVE
Speaking after the Bafana squad announcement, Broos was asked if Mofokeng is ready for a new chapter in Europe. The Belgian did not beat around the bush as he revealed that Mofokeng is not ready for a move to Europe.
“No. When I said that with Mailula this is not the right time to go overseas. He played about 18 games, but at first, he doesn’t have international experience, nothing,” said the 72-year-old mentor.
“So, what I said about Mailula, I’m saying again now with Mofokeng: ‘Stay at Pirates and play another season in the DStv Premiership here in South Africa’, hopefully with [CAF] Champions League games, and then he will be a better player.
“You see what happened with Mailula? He came in to Toronto, and there were two former Italian internationals, and what are you going to do with a little guy from South Africa there?”
Broos continued: “He did play one game two months ago and the rest he’s on the bench. What is he learning there? I hope the agent of Mofokeng is cleaver more than the one of Mailula.
“He should decide what’s important for the player, not what’s is important for him. So, let’s see what happens. But I really hope that he stays at Pirates and plays another season.”
BROOS ON RELEBOHILE MOFOKENG’S QUALITIES
The former Cameroon coach went on to state that Mofokeng has great qualities that could be useful for the national team in the future.
“He’s unpredictable. The guy is good on the ball and has a good technique. He can score and has good shots,” he added.
“So, the only thing he misses now is experience, and you can’t have that experience by playing half of the season in PSL. You need more games and therefore, let’s hope he will excel and stay with us.”
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